School of Undergraduate Studies

Investigative Forensics Degree Planning Worksheet

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Investigative Forensics

Students may seek an academic major in investigative forensics. A related minor is available in forensics

Major in Investigative Forensics

The major in investigative forensics provides a thorough foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary to process and report on physical evidence at a crime scene or in connection with an investigation of civil liability. The curriculum, based on national guidelines, provides students with a basic foundation in investigative, scientific, and laboratory-based forensics, and introduces students to the various disciplines that make up the forensic collaborative workgroup. The major prepares students for career opportunities focused on the investigatory aspects of forensics.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in investigative forensics will be able to:

Identify the various types of evidence obtained during a crime scene investigation.
Identify typical forensic laboratory tests, such as trace evidence, impressions, firearms, questioned documents, and forensic biology and anthropology.
Explain the role and the impact of investigative forensics within the criminal justice system.
Identify the different roles within the collaborative workgroup during an investigation.
Apply analytical and problem-solving skills in all three stages of crime scene investigation (scene documentation, evidence collection, and scene reconstruction).
Apply analytical and quantitative reasoning to select applicable forensic tests within a set budget.
Explain the various types of crime scene searches and crime scene documentations.
Explain the various laws pertaining to crime scene searches.
Articulate the values and ethics that guide the forensic profession.
Use effective written communication skills to clearly report analyses and findings.
Explain the integration of physical and testimonial evidence within the investigative process.
Use effective oral communication skills to articulate analyses and findings.
Utilize Web-based sources to find information about crime and forensic science.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in investigative forensics requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Investigative Forensics Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in investigative forensics, includes the following:

Required foundation courses (9 credits): CCJS 100, 234, and 320
Required criminal/forensic psychology course (3 credits): CCJS 461 (or PSYC 370)
Required core courses (9 credits): CCJS 420 and 421 and FSCN 306
Forensic laboratory science courses (6 credits): Chosen from ANTH 351, CCJS 425, 486A, and 486B and any courses designated as forensic lab science
Supplemental major course (3 credits): Chosen from ANTH 351, BIOL 320, 350, and 356; FSCN 414; and any chemistry, forensic science, or physics courses
Required related courses (6 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: STAT 200, and WRTG 393

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in investigative forensics. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course
‡ CCJS 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1) or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
‡ CCJS 234 Criminal Procedures and Evidence (3)
PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or a foreign language course or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
‡ CCJS 320 Introduction to Criminalistics (3)
HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) or other course to fulfill the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement
ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 393/393X Technical Writing (3) (related requirement for the major; also fulfills the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement)
‡ CCJS 461 Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3) or PSYC 370 Foundations of Forensic Psychology
‡ CCJS 420 Medical and Legal Investigations of Death (3)
‡ CCJS 421 Computer Forensics (3)
‡ FSCN 306 Fire Investigation and Analysis (3)
‡ CCJS 486A Internship in Criminal Justice Through Co-op (3) (or other forensic laboratory science course)
‡ CCJS 425 Forensics Lab (3) (or other forensic laboratory science course)
‡ Supplemental major course (3)